Portland, OR – Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are the number one birth defect in the U.S., occurring in one out of every 100 births. CHDs are the leading cause of death during infancy from a birth defect.

Since the 1980s pediatric heart research has made huge advancements saving the lives of thousands of children who are now surviving defects they otherwise would not have thirty years ago.

The number of pediatric heart surgeries children undergo has dramatically decreased because of research funding as well. Researchers have determined that defects that used to require surgeries may now be corrected in cath labs, decreasing the number of surgeries a child may have to have or making heart surgery unnecessary all together.

Ivy LeGassick was just 9-days-old when she underwent surgery at Randall Children’s Hospital to fix her CHD: Transposition of the Great Arteries. TGA occurs when the two main arteries going out of the heart—the pulmonary artery and the aorta—are switched in position, or “transposed”.

Ivy is now a healthy, active 8-year-old girl who needs no further surgeries. Pediatric heart research made Ivy’s successful surgery possible.

The Children’s Heart Foundation Oregon Chapter is reaching out to families affected by CHDs hosting lionheart at the museum, a family-focused event providing a night of fun while raising money for pediatric heart research. Families will be inspired as children with CHDs and the people who support them are honored. Families may also play in the museum’s exhibits and learn about the foundation.

The Children’s Heart Foundation Oregon Chapter is made up of dedicated volunteers. All of the proceeds from lionheart at the museum go towards pediatric heart research, which is critical in improving the lives of children with CHDs.

About Children’s Heart Foundation Oregon Chapter The Children’s Heart Foundation, Oregon Chapter, is a group made up of all volunteers who are dedicated to raising awareness of Congenital Heart Defect, and raising money for the national effort to fund the most promising research to help improve the lives of children and families affected.

About Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel is one of Oregon’s largest providers of pediatric inpatient and trauma services and opened its new home in February 2012. Randall Children's Hospital has a medical staff of more than 600 physicians, including pediatric medical and surgical specialists, sub-specialists, hospitalists and community pediatricians. Randall Children's Hospital receives nearly 100,000 patient visits per year. The Children's Emergency Department is Oregon's busiest, with more than 20,000 visits annually.

About The Children’s Heart Program at Randall Children’s Hospital The Children's Heart Program at Randall Children's Hospital is a regional leader for children’s heart surgery and cardiology performing 500 cases a year. The program offers a full range of diagnostic, surgical and medical services for children with both acquired and congenital heart diseases.